Brick by brick, the walkway tells a story of Broomfield residents who love their library.

Some of the bricks honor library lovers who have passed away. Others celebrate weddings, birthdays and anniversaries.

Personalized brick donations made to the Broomfield Library Foundation pave the way for vibrant programs at Mamie Doud Eisenhower Public Library, while providing a place for residents to show their support for friends and families.The foundation's brick campaign is accepting orders for personalized bricks through Feb. 28.

Colleen Sawyer, president of the foundation, said the brick fundraiser is a popular one, in part because residents can see their donation work in tangible and intangible ways.

The bricks, inscribed with personal messages of love and support, line the walkway to the library's front door. Proceeds from the brick purchases help keep the library's critical programs, such as One Book, One Broomfield, afloat.

"This one just seems to get the community involved," she said. "People just want to leave a legacy. It sort of sells itself."

Proceeds go toward the library's major programs, including the One Book, One Broomfield program that in November brought author Carol Cassella to town speak about her book, "Healer."

The brick campaign also helps fund the library's teen programs, which include a manga drawing group, a creative writing club, science programs and art classes. A teen advisory board helps choose and oversee the programs.

Roberta Depp, director of library services, said the foundation's brick campaign might not be the library's largest fundraiser, but it is a reliable way to help keep the programs running smoothly. With up to 100 programs a month at the library, including tutoring, parenting classes and special events, every bit of funding counts toward keeping the library a welcoming place for adults, teens and children.

"It's a busy place," she said. "This is a way for people who use the library to express their support for what we do here."

Mary Juszynski, who purchased two bricks in honor of her two grandsons, knows she can visit the bricks any time she goes to the library.

"The bricks are as you go up the walkway. Couldn't be a better location," she said.

The brick purchase also was an easy way to support the library that has provided so many programs to the community, she said.

"The hardest part of buying a brick is deciding what to write on it," she said. "So many people use the library ... it's just a key player in the community, and without the support of the community and people like Colleen, these programs wouldn't be possible."

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